Cleanliness & Organization

My grandmother lived in a tiny matchbox of a house when my mom was growing up. When I say matchbox, I literally mean the tiniest home you can possibly imagine. My grandparents had very few means, and so this was what they could afford. And with this, my grandmother did wonders.

Timeless elegance. Pictured above is my grandmother, Maria.

My mom often told me my grandmother would say, "Pobres pero no sucios" meaning "We're poor, not dirty." This quote was engrained in my mind growing up.

Stories of my grandmother hosing down- yes, HOSING DOWN-- her rustic wooden floors fill my memories alongside the ones of her ironing her curtains, bedsheets, and even my grandfather's boxers. IRONING HER CURTAINS AND BEDSHEETS. Show of hands: who does that now?

Needless to say, my mom raised us to make our bed and complete a small list of chores daily. It is so much part of who I am that if my bed somehow could not be made on a given day-- literally it would need to be an insane, rare day-- then I will make it right before getting into it. Something about a crisp bed makes all the difference. Or maybe there's something mental going on in my head. Maybe it's both.

Or maybe just knowing a study came out that said the most successful and productive people make their bed daily affected me. Or possibly the study on keeping to a budget better if your bed is made. (I know Art loves that one lol.) Whatever the reason, the fruit is evident and studies prove it.

And the same can be true of keeping a clean, organized home. Did you know clutter is a reflection of your mind? In my case, clutter makes my mind feel chaotic. And yes, there is a study behind this truth also: clearing clutter results in less mental fatigue and greater peace of mind. Incredible right?

I truly believe God calls us to be orderly. Just look at the amazing world around us. Look at the way cells function under a microscope, the way seasons come and go, and how nature unfolds in its own time. There is order and excellence. We are called to exemplify the same. Below are some practical ways we as a family keep our home organized:

• Donate items not used within the last three months.

• Do not display appliances on countertops, unless used daily.

• Dishes are done every evening.

• Counters and flooring are cleaned daily after lunch and dinner.

• Kids are in charge of their own laundry and chores, if possible.

• Everything used during the day gets put away at end of the day.

• Laundry is done weekly.

These are practical and necessary for us to maintain our home. If you're starting from scratch, start with a small area and move from there. Donate, rehome, or throw away excess. What you're not using now can be used by someone else right away!

A good rule of thumb I often remind myself:

Do something today that your future self will thank you for.

May this inspire you to live beautifully,